Fifty new emergency responders in Liberia have completed the AVoHC-SURGE training program, which enhances the nation’s ability to respond to public health emergencies. Supported by WHO, Africa CDC, and the Canadian government, participants acquired critical skills in emergency response and coordination. This training highlights Liberia’s commitment to preparedness following challenges like Ebola and COVID-19.
In Nimba, Liberia, fifty Liberian professionals have recently concluded a month-long AVoHC-SURGE training program aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to handle public health emergencies. This initiative, led by the Liberian government with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government, is designed to bolster response capabilities during health crises.
The AVoHC-SURGE training, part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagships roadmap, equipped participants with essential skills in various aspects, such as Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) management, coordination of humanitarian and health clusters, and addressing gender-based violence prevention and response in emergencies. The program also covered Rapid Response Team (RRT) operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., Assistant Chief of Staff for Health Services for the Armed Forces of Liberia Health Services, expressed pride in joining the SURGE team, emphasizing the military’s vital role in public health crises, citing the responses to Ebola, COVID-19, and recent outbreaks. He stated that the comprehensive training ensures a cohesive response to emergencies.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, noted the importance of this training, referencing Liberia’s challenges with diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. He remarked, “This cohort represents a crucial step forward in our preparedness efforts.”
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko, a WHO representative, praised the graduates for their dedication and announced that they are now part of the WHO roster, eligible for emergency response deployments. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo reassured stakeholders, stating that the training’s significant efforts would prepare them for effective outbreak responses in Liberia and the surrounding region.
AVoHC signifies the Africa CDC’s African Volunteer Health Corps initiative, while SURGE represents WHO’s initiative for Strengthening & Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies.
The successful completion of the AVoHC-SURGE training marks a significant advancement in Liberia’s readiness to manage public health emergencies. The collaboration with WHO, Africa CDC, and international partners underscores the shared commitment to enhancing health capacities. The newly trained responders are now equipped with vital skills to address future health crises, ensuring a more robust response framework in the country.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
